Ahmed Ktaish was born, August 25, at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia in Prince George.

He is the first member of the family, which includes three brothers and a sister, to be born in Canada.

The Ktaishs arrived in Canada in February as part of the influx of 25,000 refugees fleeing the Syrian conflict.

Speaking through a translator, father Khalid Ktaish said he was very happy with the medical care his wife received while giving birth, and that having a child born in this country makes him feel "more Canadian."

Baby named after volunteer translator

Six-year-old Moa'ath Ktaish chose the name 'Ahmed' for his baby brother.

He was inspired by Ahmed Nasir, a physics student from Egypt who has been volunteering his time as a translator for the family.

"Yeah, I feel happy," Nasir said of the honour.

An extended network of volunteers helped bring the Ktaish's to Prince George.

They are officially sponsored by a Lutheran church, while a local Catholic church has given Khalid a job doing yard work and maintenance.

The other four children will be returning to elementary school next week.

Asked how he feels about all that has happened, Khalid Ktaish repeated one of a handful of English phrases he has learned: "Canada good."

Six-year-old Moa'ath Ktaish admires his new baby brother. Moa'ath chose the name 'Ahmed' after the Egyptian university student who has been acting as a translator for the family since it arrived in February. (Andrew Kurjata)

About the Author

Andrew Kurjata

@akurjata

Andrew Kurjata is a radio producer and digital journalist in northern British Columbia, situated in the traditional territory of the Lheidli T'enneh in Prince George. Email: andrew.kurjata@cbc.ca | Twitter: @akurjata | Secure PGP: http://www.akurjata.ca